Exam 22: Antipsychotics and Anxiolytics

The nurse is teaching a patient about taking a benzodiazepine to treat grief-related anxiety. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the teaching?

A patient who takes loxapine (Loxitane) to treat schizophrenia is noted to be restless and fidgety and is pacing around the room. The nurse caring for this patient will perform which action?

A patient is brought to the emergency department with decreased respirations and somnolence. The nurse notes a heart rate of 60 beats per minute and a blood pressure of 80/58 mm Hg. The patient is known to take alprazolam (Xanax) to treat anxiety. Which medication will the nurse anticipate the provider to order?

The nurse is preparing to administer intramuscular haloperidol (Haldol) to a patient who has schizophrenia. What action will the nurse perform?

A patient arrives in the emergency department complaining of difficulty breathing, dizziness, sweating, and heart palpitations. The patient reports having had similar episodes previously due to stress at work. The nurse will expect the provider to order which medication?

The nurse is caring for a patient who is taking chlorpromazine HCl (Thorazine) 75 mg BID to treat schizophrenia. A family member tells the nurse that the patient's agitation, hallucinations, and delusional symptoms have improved with use of the drug, but the patient continues to withdraw from social interaction and won't bathe unless reminded to do so. The nurse will tell the family member that:

A patient who is taking fluphenazine (Prolixin) to treat psychosis is experiencing symptoms of acute dystonia. While performing a medication history, the nurse learns that the patient takes herbal medications. Which herbal supplement would be of concern?

The nurse is assessing a young adult patient with schizophrenia who recently began taking fluphenazine (Prolixin). The patient is exhibiting spasms of facial muscles along with grimacing, and the nurse notes upward eye movements. The nurse suspects which side effect?

A patient has been taking risperidone (Risperdal) for 2 weeks. The patient reports drowsiness and headache. What will the nurse do?

The nurse is teaching a patient who will be discharged home on a typical antipsychotic medication to treat schizophrenia. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?

The parent of a young adult who has schizophrenia is concerned that the patient spits out pills that are given. The nurse will suggest contacting the patient's provider to discuss which intervention?

A family member of a patient who has been taking fluphenazine (Prolixin) for 3 months calls to report that the patient is exhibiting agitation and restlessness. The nurse learns that the patient's delusional thinking and hallucinations have stopped since taking the medication. The nurse will perform which action?

The nurse is performing a medication history on a patient who reports taking lorazepam (Ativan) for the past 6 months to treat an anxiety disorder. The patient states that the medication is not working as well as it previously did. The nurse will:

A patient who is taking chlorpromazine calls the clinic to report having reddish-brown urine. What action will the nurse take?

A patient who is about to begin taking the atypical antipsychotic medication clozapine (Clozaril) is concerned about side effects. What information will the nurse include when teaching the patient about this medication?

A patient has begun taking buspirone hydrochloride (BuSpar) 7.5 mg twice daily to treat acute anxiety and calls 1 week later to report little change in symptoms. What will the nurse tell the patient?

A patient arrives in the emergency department with dehydration. The patient reports taking fluphenazine (Prolixin) to treat schizophrenia. The nurse notes rigid muscles and an altered mental status. The patient has a temperature of 103.6° F, a heart rate of 98 beats per minute, and a blood pressure of 90/58 mm Hg. The nurse will anticipate administering which medication?

The nurse is preparing to administer loxapine (Loxitane) 50 mg to a patient who has schizophrenia. The patient has been taking this medication twice daily for 15 months. The nurse notes smacking lip movements and involuntary movements of all extremities. Which initial action by the nurse would be most appropriate?